Rash on the lower leg
definition
A rash (Rash) refers to a temporary irritation of the skin, which has various causes and can be very diverse. The reddened areas of the skin can be provided with nodules, crusts, dots, vesicles, scales or wheals. They are usually caused by an allergic or infectious nature or as a result of side effects of medication.
causes
Skin rashes are often allergic. In this case, it is important to inquire whether, for example, a new cream was used on the legs or the rash appeared after wearing new boots / other clothes.
Drug intolerance can result in a rash affecting not just the legs but the entire body. Read more about this under Medication rash
A rash can also be an expression of a skin disease. Atopic dermatitis mainly affects the hollows of the knees, the crooks of the elbows and the neck, while psoriasis (psoriasis) especially occurs on the shins, elbows and head. Shingles can also appear as a very localized skin appearance on the legs.
Read more about this under
- Neurodermatitis
- psoriasis
- Shingles
- Light therapy for psoriasis
In addition, in rare cases, a small, nodular, nodular rash on the legs caused by HIV can appear. Often, however, this only affects the trunk of the body and / or the face.
A characteristic, circular, widening rash on the lower leg can be a sign of an infection with Lyme disease. This is transmitted by ticks.
Read more about this under How can I recognize Lyme disease?
Another skin condition that often occurs on the lower leg is sore rose (Erysipelas). This is a bacterial infection of the skin. The bacteria use tiny injuries to the skin as a gateway and spread through the lymph vessels or the cell space.
Read more about this under Erysipelas
If preferably painful reddish papules appear on the shin, it can also be Erythema nodosa act. This particular skin condition may be related to a Sarcoid or as part of a Crohn's disease occur.
Insect bites can also lead to rashes on the lower leg.
diagnosis
In order to be able to find out the cause of a new skin rash, it is important for the doctor to take a close look at the rash, as the very characteristic appearance can often lead to the diagnosis. It is also important to know whether the rash has changed over time, whether it is spreading, whether itching is present and whether any accompanying symptoms such as Fever is present. It may be necessary to take a sample of the affected skin area or to do allergy tests.
Concomitant symptoms
Is a rash indicative of an infection, such as The rash is often associated with a general feeling of malaise and fever.
For skin diseases such as psoriasis, there are often other rashes on other parts of the body. However, if the skin irritation is the result of a contact allergy, the rash is often the only symptom present.
With itching
If there are wheals and severe itching in the area of the rash, hives may be the cause. The hives, or else Urticaria called, is often a reaction to allergens, medication, but also to UV rays, sweating and heat in the context of which histamine is released.
Read more about this under Hives
Skin rashes associated with neurodermatitis are also accompanied by itching.
In addition, an itchy rash can also affect a v.a. dehydration eczema or congestive eczema occurring in older people. The stasis eczema is the result of chronic venous insufficiency.
Without itching
A rash that occurs in response to medication is usually not associated with itching. Infection-related skin rashes, such as those caused by a Borrelia or HIV infection, don't itch much.
On the forearm
The rashes that affect the forearm include psoriasis, which mainly affects the forearm. is found on the extensor sides of the arms, which Neurodermatitisthat shows up in the crook of the elbows, (contact) allergies or syphilis. The syphilis rash mainly affects the hands, feet and forearms. Another condition affecting the forearms is scabies (Scabies) caused by itch mites.
On the inside
In addition to the frequent skin rashes caused by allergies and insect bites, the insides of the legs can also show other peculiarities. As a result, a rash often develops on the inner thighs under the effects of sweat and heat. Furthermore, tight clothing or friction can lead to rashes on the inside of the legs.
Dellular warts, or genital warts on the thighs, can be mistaken for a rash.
A sore throat or lichen planus can also show up on the inside of the lower legs.
The nodules and plaques that occur in Sweet's syndrome are mainly found on the face and insides of the legs.
Read more about this under
- Dellar warts
- Are genital warts contagious?
With the child
Most often, skin rashes in children are associated with the typical childhood diseases measles, rubella, chickenpox, rubella or scarlet fever. Often these rashes also, but not exclusively, affect the lower legs. Thanks to successful vaccinations, measles, rubella and chickenpox are becoming increasingly rare.
Neurodermatitis is a disease that mainly manifested in childhood. Even if the exact figures vary depending on the source, the trend clearly shows that the prevalence in children is many times higher than in adulthood. A cradle cap on the scalp of babies can be the first symptom of atopic dermatitis.
Read more about this under Cradle cap in the baby
Psoriasis can also occur in children. After diagnosing a chronic disease such as psoriasis in childhood, it is advisable to offer training to both the child and the parents so that the child learns as quickly as possible to lay the foundation for successfully containing the disease with thorough skin care.
Often, skin rashes on the lower legs, but also in children, are due to insect bites or allergic reactions. Lyme disease can also occur in children who are a lot in nature and therefore can come into contact with ticks.
Treatment / therapy
Treatment depends heavily on the cause of the rash. In general, it is important to combat the cause of the rash. In the event of an allergic reaction, this means avoiding the agent. In some cases it may be necessary to take antihistamines. E.g. even if you have an allergic reaction to insect bites.
Rashes caused by bacteria, such as Lyme disease or erysipelas are treated with antibiotics.
A patient retains a predisposition to neurodermatitis all his life. The aim of therapy is therefore to alleviate the symptoms. For this purpose, the skin should be kept as moist as possible and scratching should be avoided. This is known as basic skin care. To do this, an anti-inflammatory cream containing cortisone or calcineurin inhibitors can be applied locally to the affected area. If the course is severe, the anti-inflammatory drugs can also be administered systemically.
Read more about this under
- Treatment of atopic dermatitis
- Skin care for atopic dermatitis
In psoriasis, vitamin D supplements are applied together with cortisone ointments. However, cortisone therapy is not a permanent solution. In addition to the therapy that inhibits the immune system, phototherapy is also an important component of the treatment. In the best case, UV radiation should be combined with a bath in salt water. However, it is essential to avoid sunburn, as it increases psoriasis!
Read more about this under Therapy of psoriasis
In addition, ointment dressings with salicylic acid (not for children), urea or lactic acid and baths help to remove the dandruff.
Drugs can also be administered systemically for severe illnesses. These are immunosuppressants, vitamin A preparations or biologicals such as etanercept or infliximab.
In any case, it is important to have a doctor determine the cause of the rash, as this is the only way to carry out the correct therapy.
Duration
The duration of a rash depends heavily on the cause and whether adequate therapy is initiated or is available. For example, an allergic rash can heal within about two weeks if the triggering agent is identified and avoided. However, congestive eczema will persist until the venous insufficiency has been resolved. Other rashes, such as Lyme disease erythema migrans, may heal. spontaneously, although the cause has not been eliminated.
